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A rare opportunity is coming up to experience the work ofone of our country’s most eminent carvers. DrPakariki “Paki” Harrison QSO oversaw the construction ofmany wharenui (meeting houses) at marae, including at theUniversity of Auckland where he was also alecturer. Now some of hiswhakairo (carvings) will be on display at a community eventin Coromandel town, an area where many of his still familylive.
The work by the late Paki, who received theQueen’s Service Order in 2000, will form part of UriTangata – Succeeding Generations. The event, whichis part of the popular Connect Four show, runs at HaurakiHouse Gallery in Kapanga Road, Coromandel, from February12-23 inclusive. It’s open from 10am-4pm daily.
Entry isfree. In addition to pieces by Paki, who was named aliving icon by the Arts Foundation of NZ in 2005 before hispassing in 2008, visitors will be able to appreciate akorowai (ceremonial cloak) made by his wife Hinemoa andstunning toi (art) by family members Kelly Harrison,Paki’s daughter, says: “Uri Tangata is all aboutcelebrating our whanau’s weaving and carving,incorporating past, present and future generations. It’sabout sharing our Maori and cultural heritage.
” TheHarrisons’ exhibition space will feature pou whakairo,which are ancestors’ full-size traditional house stylecarvings, waka huia (treasure box), hoe (paddles) andraranga (weaving). Among thecontemporary works on show will be a papa eke ngaru – acarved surfboard called Te Uira – The Lightning. Asfor the other artists taking part in Connect Four, theyinclude potter Murray Rainey, a retired technician at HuntlyPower Station.
He says: “A lot of my work is functional,so typically has a use. “This year, I’m workingwith brighter colours and will have everything from mugs toGreek-inspired vases and jugs on show.” Artist JulieDann, who runs accommodation at Studio 531 at Preeces Point,loves having the freedom to paint, mainly inacrylics.
“I like to use a fresh palette, such asturquoise, green and pacific blue,” she explains. “Theyare colours which make me feel happy. I hope others feel thesame way.
” Elisabeth Carter is owner-operator ofCoromandel Flowers, and this source of inspiration hastransferred to canvas to create a marvel of floralpaintings. “My work is highly emotive, often withmany layers and texture,” says Elisabeth. “A fresh andvibrant palette awaits viewers at ConnectFour.
” Pakariki “Paki” Harrison was theeldest of 21 children, and grew up on the North Island’sEast Coast. He was introduced to carving at Te Aute College,Hawke’s Bay. In the 1960s, he was a schoolteacher inAuckland and taught carving at night.
During this time, theQEII Arts Council sent him to France to present lectures anddemonstrate carving. After returning, Paki supervisedthe construction of 10 carved wharenui includingTanenuiarangi at Waipapa marae at the University ofAuckland, Nga Kete Wananga at Manukau Institute ofTechnology in Otara, and Rakairoa, Kennedy Baymarae. In the 1980s, he lectured at the University ofAuckland.
Paki and his wife Hinemoa, a master weaver(tohunga raranga), received the 1997 Te Waka Toi Award fortheir lifetime achievements. He published books on hiswharenui, and showed his work at exhibitions in Aotearoa,Italy, Japan, France, the US and Australia, and received theQueen’s Service Order in 2000 for communityservice. In 2002, Paki was named as the leader of thedesign team for Toi Iho / Maori Made mark for Creative NewZealand.
He was named a living icon by the ArtsFoundation of NZ in 2005. He passed away in2008. Check out “Waka Huia 2016 Paki Harrison” onYouTube – a 30-minute programme on him through the eyes ofsome of his grand-daughters.
Link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dYHhqw_X9M ConnectFour art and pottery show with Maori toi, February 12-23from 10am-4pm, at Hauraki House Gallery, Coromandel town.
Free entry. Featuring work by famous carver Dr PakiHarrison QSO, toi by his family, paintings by Julie Dann andElisabeth Carter, and pottery by Murray Rainey. This is aunique chance to see the work of Paki, who oversaw thebuilding of many meeting houses in NewZealand.
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